ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR BY JOHN LAWRENCE ILLUSTRATING WATERSHIP DOWN [with] AN AUTHOR SIGNED, FIRST EDITION OF THE BOOK

First illustrated edition, first printing. Signed by the author. Together with an original illustration produced for this edition by John Lawrence, printed facing page 217. Original beige paper-covered boards with a brown cloth spine bearing titles and an illustration in black, ruled in gilt, in dustwrapper, housed in a slipcase. With colour illustration plates and further black and white drawings by John Lawrence throughout and a fold out map at the rear. A very good or better copy, the binding square and firm, the boards fresh, the foot of the spine very slightly rubbed. There are a few spots to the early pages and the top edge of the closed text block, the contents are otherwise clean throughout and without previous owners' stamps or inscriptions. The fold out map has a couple of spots near the gutter, otherwise remaining fine, bright and complete. Complete with the very lightly rubbed and nicked original dustwrapper that is very faintly toned to the spine. Not price-clipped (£8.75 on the front flap). In the original illustrated slipcase. Together with the original watercolour and ink illustration on paper that is reproduced opposite page 217 in the printed book. Measuring 8 x 25cm, the image shows the Watership Down rabbits assembled in a dark forest for the trial of El-Ahrairah. Signed by John Lawrence in pencil at the lower right corner. In fine condition, the colours bright, the paper very faintly toned at the edges. The mount measures 30 x 39 cm. A wonderful group.

The book is inscribed by the author Richard Adams in blue ink facing the title page "To Pat / with best wishes from / Richard Adams". Winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. A modern children's classic about a group of rabbits that must strive to save themselves when their warren is destroyed, evoking the structure and themes of classical heroic quests. The basis for several adaptations, most notably the 1978 animated film of the same name. John Lawrence (born 1933) is a prolific, award-winning English illustrator and wood engraver whose body of work spans six decades. A multi-skilled artist, his watercolours and drawings are notable for their sensitivity and freshness, while his engravings retain a strong sense of movement and energy. As well as this first illustrated edition of 'Watership Down', Lawrence has also provided illustrations for a number of Folio Society titles, Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' series, and his own picture books, among many others.